Confederation
of the Rhine

1806-1813

The
Confederation of the Rhine was formed in 1806 when 16 German minor
states decided to throw their nations' futures in with Napoleon
Bonaparte and ally themselves with France. A further 19 joined
later.

The
more than 15 million people living within the Confederation provided
both a physical barrier against enemies on France's eastern borders
and also sent large contingents of troops to join its armies.

The
members of the Confederation included large kingdoms and duchies,
together with smaller principalities and city states.

Disaffection
within the group over continued support for France began after Bonaparte's
invasion of Russia and the Allied victory at Leipzig saw many of
the confederation switch sides to help the Allies during the 1813
War of German Liberation.